The ‘Tala’ close-up:

Bi-lingual on-line look books–ooh la la, c’est tres moderne!

Kikidoll is featured on Flip-Zone, an on-line French/English catalogue of this season’s swimwear.

Prenez un clin d’oeil tout de suite!  

First start with a filmy thin cotton lawn cover-up like this sheer printed Kikidoll one in Birds of Paradise print with inset cotton crochet on the bodice, sleeves and pockets that is so on trend.  It’s not exactly a tunic, its not a dress, it’s a pull-over the head muu muu!  Its multi colored palette allows for almost any combination of accessories– orange, purple, red, yellow, blue and pink–even white or metallic.

Take off the soggy string bikini, trade in the flippies, and rinse off the day, outdoors or in,  pool or beachside.

Slip the muu muu over your tingly clean skin.

Now add some stacked bangles–loads of them– with plenty of interest and texture–braided, thin wire with shells, beads, charms dangling, vintage watch.  Maybe some hammered hoop earrings.

Add thin delicate gold chains in varying lengths and styles round your neck, each with some shimmery pendant, charm or stone hanging.

Next strap on some glimmery wedge sandals, maybe in gold, or grab a color from the dress, like a pop of orange color-blocked heel.  Don’t skimp on some shiney updated bright polish for the tootsies!

Take your make-up punched up a level and add some vibrant, bold lippie with a smear of gold gloss over it; use plenty of bronzey gleam highlighter on the cheekbone and eyes.  Don’t forget to even out leg and arm tone with a moisturising self-tanner.

Dollops of summer breeze perfume. You’re almost good to go.

Now for the best part. Flip your head upside down–getting the sand out of your hair!–and spray it liberally with a Salt Water Sea Spray; scrunch it up, tousle it back, and presto–beach hair with added scent and texture is now your best friend for a BoHo chic look for evening!

First grab some boots–not too high not too short not too heavy–just right for any dust, rain or to add inches so you can peer over shoulders and see the band.

Next pack in those squishy soft suede mocs in a summery shade of  aqua for when feet are tired or hot and it’s dry out.

Now add the Retro cool sunnies in a tortoise shell blend, and dollop on the anti-bug and anti-rays sunblock, hiding your baby face under an edgy tie-dye straw Trilby.  Bung on loads of brightly colored friendship bracelets, beaded and charmed bangles and a skull or shark’s tooth wouldn’t hurt hanging from a long chain on your neck.

An antiqued vintage lace cami over an equally vintage pair of cut-off ombre-shaded dip-dyed Levi jean shorts–and your day outfit is complete.

Tag along the stripey lookalike Missoni shawl/poncho for cooler nights, all items packed  in the ethnic sustainably woven cloth bucket bag, and for super sunny weather you can bust out the flowery strapless sundress or the billowy graphic print maxi.

A must for all festival events is the multi-purpose bandeau bikini top in some hot acid-house neons, always worn under all gear doubling as a bra, or in your bag–ready for skin-baring sun-flashing and general crazy mosh-pit dancing in the moonlight.

And this is just the first weekend!

V-Wire Ruched Bandeau bikini by Kikidoll, $186 at www.kikidoll.com

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All suits shown in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2012 are available on kikidoll.com for pre-order. Email kiki@kikidoll.com for prices, sizes and availability.

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